At Gállogiedde, livelihoods were derived from multiple sources; there was both subsistence and paid work. The farm included arable land, forest plots, and grazing paths for livestock. Much of the hay came from outlying meadows and forest glades. The arable land was used for grain, potatoes, and hay production. Berries were harvested in the woods and mountains, as were edible and medicinal herbs, a special grass for footwear, and birchwood for construction and fuel.
The residents of Gállogiedde had their own reindeer mark and reindeer until after World War II. In the barn, there were cows, goats, and sheep, as well as a horse for heavy work. They were self-sufficient in most food and clothing, as well as selling surplus. Activity was high year-round, with outdoor work in the form of harvesting and storage in the summer, and further processing of products in the winter.
Fishing was part of the livelihood, and several of the tenants had their own boat for fishing in Lofoten and along the Finnmark coast. The men were often away fishing and doing paid work, so it was the women who were responsible for the daily life and work of the farm, including cooking animal feed in the bakehouse pot - using hay remnants, leaves, and fish waste.